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This monster is the only one who can touch her...
The last time Harbinger felt someone’s touch was seven years ago. Cursed with the ability to soak up information through her skin, she focuses on loaning out her services and keeping the world at arm’s length. Easier said than done when she’s partnered with the gargoyle Jasper Flint.
But when a routine mission turns into an ambush, Flint shields her from a spray of bullets...and brushes against her in the process. Now, she can feel everything he does - including his growing attraction to her. Flint tries to keep things professional, but Harbin doesn’t want to miss the chance to finally feel someone against her skin.
And if Flint’s the only one who can put his hands on her...he’s going to make it worth her while.
Skin is a 14k-word prequel novelette in the Fangs With Benefits series; the Fangs With Benefits series can be read in any order.
Warning: This is a kinky MF erotic romance between a gargoyle and a banshee. It is intended only for adult audiences and is not meant to depict realistic expectations of BDSM.
This book contains monster anatomy involved in sex acts. Reader discretion is advised.
Content warnings are listed in the book's front matter and on the author's website.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2021
About the author
Aveda Vice
9 books370 followersAveda Vice (any pronouns) is a pansexual author of unconventional kink and monstrous romances. In their books, you’ll find a fondness for queer creatures, polyamorous love, and grumpy girls. She researches true crime, decorates every day like it’s Halloween, and is going to hell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
August 29, 2021
a pretty hot monsterfucking novella.
if you like paranormal creatures, size difference, praise kink, dirty talk & soft doms, then you might enjoy this!
if you like paranormal creatures, size difference, praise kink, dirty talk & soft doms, then you might enjoy this!
October 18, 2023
“I’m going to ask you for a color. At any time. Probably more than you’d like.
And you should use them, even if I don’t ask.
Red means we stop, and I give you some space.
Yellow means we slow down, and I try to control it. And green —”
“— means go." Her mouth slots against his.
How outstanding and definitely NOT predictable *cough cough* that the male main character actually in fact DID ask her for those colour way more times than it was necessary. The "At any time." part was also present. I really wish the author stopped smacking those moments into the story at the most inconvenient times.
Okay so, I am obviously pro consent and asking if the partner is still doing fine over and over again buttt the issue here is:
I read this as a PDF (35 pages) and the word "green" was repeated 20 times (yes, I counted)...
And well, despite green being one of my fav colours, I just had to roll my eyes the more it was repeated. It was SOOOO obvious that the female main character was doing LITERALLY PERFECT while they were going all adults 18+ at things. SO WHY DID WE HAVE TO READ GREEN SO OFTEN AS IF IT'S SOME SORT OF MANTRA???
Honestly, it even started feeling the author purposefully and mockingly tried to integrate consent into this because that topic oftentimes overlooked in books like this, just way over the top for no apparent reason. Made the reading repetitive and tedious.
You know how people say "Less is more". WELL, apply that concept to the overly extensive use of the word "green" now. I think you get what I'm saying...
And you should use them, even if I don’t ask.
Red means we stop, and I give you some space.
Yellow means we slow down, and I try to control it. And green —”
“— means go." Her mouth slots against his.
How outstanding and definitely NOT predictable *cough cough* that the male main character actually in fact DID ask her for those colour way more times than it was necessary. The "At any time." part was also present. I really wish the author stopped smacking those moments into the story at the most inconvenient times.
Okay so, I am obviously pro consent and asking if the partner is still doing fine over and over again buttt the issue here is:
I read this as a PDF (35 pages) and the word "green" was repeated 20 times (yes, I counted)...
And well, despite green being one of my fav colours, I just had to roll my eyes the more it was repeated. It was SOOOO obvious that the female main character was doing LITERALLY PERFECT while they were going all adults 18+ at things. SO WHY DID WE HAVE TO READ GREEN SO OFTEN AS IF IT'S SOME SORT OF MANTRA???
Honestly, it even started feeling the author purposefully and mockingly tried to integrate consent into this because that topic oftentimes overlooked in books like this, just way over the top for no apparent reason. Made the reading repetitive and tedious.
You know how people say "Less is more". WELL, apply that concept to the overly extensive use of the word "green" now. I think you get what I'm saying...
December 15, 2021
If you, too, grew up with a weird crush on Goliath from Gargoyles, this is probably for you.
This short story is definitely heavy on smut, but it also features some incredible yearning and a bit of angst that I sincerely need more of. I can't wait for the full story of Flint and Harbinger because in the short span of this story, I fell head-over-heels for both of them and I NEED more time with these two monstrous lil' beans.
✨ Content warnings for:
———
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This short story is definitely heavy on smut, but it also features some incredible yearning and a bit of angst that I sincerely need more of. I can't wait for the full story of Flint and Harbinger because in the short span of this story, I fell head-over-heels for both of them and I NEED more time with these two monstrous lil' beans.
✨ Content warnings for:
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
July 1, 2021
This was steamy! Aveda Vice is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to erotic romance. AND MONSTERFUCKING TOO OBVIOUSLY. Skin is that book you won't be able to stop reading and... you constantly will want to reread it, I'm sure.
A gargoyle and a banshee romance where they are coworkers, kinda like detectives or something like that, and they have been partners for a very long time. But when Harbinger touches Flint for the first time, she is able to see all his hidden feelings and wants for her. This surely complicates their relationship, but in a very good way!
THE PRAISE KINK IN THIS???? *chef kiss* If you want to read about a gargoyle constantly calling his love interest "good girl" "my fucking good girl", read this. He just wants her to enjoy this completely in a way that she is very satisfied. I love them both and hopefully Aveda writes another short about them again? I love the Fangs With Benefits series so much. Small bites of EROTIC GOODNESS!!! Read it everyone.
A gargoyle and a banshee romance where they are coworkers, kinda like detectives or something like that, and they have been partners for a very long time. But when Harbinger touches Flint for the first time, she is able to see all his hidden feelings and wants for her. This surely complicates their relationship, but in a very good way!
THE PRAISE KINK IN THIS???? *chef kiss* If you want to read about a gargoyle constantly calling his love interest "good girl" "my fucking good girl", read this. He just wants her to enjoy this completely in a way that she is very satisfied. I love them both and hopefully Aveda writes another short about them again? I love the Fangs With Benefits series so much. Small bites of EROTIC GOODNESS!!! Read it everyone.
July 14, 2021
Skin is book two in Fangs With Benefits.
I knew I was in for a steamy ride with the trigger warnings. Holy Hotness!!!!! So much more than I expected, and no, I am not complaining. Monster love or smut was never on my radar until the author found me, and so happy she did. I love her writing style, and her characters are complex.
If you're looking for hotness, soft Dom, a banshee, and a yummy gargoyle. Skin is for you. I will add some kinks in this book you won’t see in others. It just adds more enjoyable content to the reader. It’s a short, fast-paced novella.
February 4, 2022
I was not ready for this level of hotness this fine morning
And what a fine morning it is.
I don't know where this has been all my life but holllyyyyyy💀💀💀💀 (I am going to die if I don't get any info on the full lenght story).
I think every man, woman and other deserves to be fucked like this. I's all i'm saying.
And what a fine morning it is.
I don't know where this has been all my life but holllyyyyyy💀💀💀💀 (I am going to die if I don't get any info on the full lenght story).
I think every man, woman and other deserves to be fucked like this. I's all i'm saying.
October 1, 2023
3 stars
Intriguing start—not as strong as this author’s other prequel, though, so I am definitely interested in seeing how these characters get more fleshed out in the next book.
Intriguing start—not as strong as this author’s other prequel, though, so I am definitely interested in seeing how these characters get more fleshed out in the next book.
July 1, 2021
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Holy hot damn!! This is it everyone! Monster smut at its finest! Do yourself a favor, read this series, and Aveda’s other work, Headless! It does not disappoint! Mythology explained beautifully and plenty of steam!
Pop Culture Readathon Prompt: Zodiac (Read a book published in the month you were born)
Holy hot damn!! This is it everyone! Monster smut at its finest! Do yourself a favor, read this series, and Aveda’s other work, Headless! It does not disappoint! Mythology explained beautifully and plenty of steam!
Pop Culture Readathon Prompt: Zodiac (Read a book published in the month you were born)
October 31, 2021
So good. Hot as fuck + intelligent, intuitive writing.
December 12, 2022
Short and scorchingly hot. My word...I didn't expect to enjoy this at all. Instead I'm nearly panting.
Kindle
5
Kindle
5
July 18, 2021
Release Week Review:
did I reread Skin at like 8am on release day just to feel something? absolutely I did😈
in less than 150 pages Aveda Vice has become one of my favorite authors! I’ve read all three of their spooky/monstrous novellas, and with each one they just draw me in deeper🙌🏻 Skin is the latest installment in the Fangs With Benefits series, and it was utterly delicious from start to finish
Flint & Harbin’s story was pure sinful, treacly goodness💜 Harbinger is a banshee, and with a single touch she can see the history of any person, place or thing. And since working as a freelance foreseer can be dangerous, she doesn’t go anywhere without her gargoyle bodyguard Jasper Flint When a mission goes south & Flint jumps to protect her, they accidentally touch, and suddenly Harbin can read the broody giant’s emotions—including his attraction to her🔥🔥🔥
I really loved this book! Aveda is serving us a queer workplace bodyguard romance, and with MONSTERS!! I mean🥵 say less! Its sexy, is ~very~ kinky (i lil bondage, some praise kink, some power play, its truly immaculate) and just so delicious from beginning to end👌🏻 I cant wait to read more about Harbin & Flint!!
thanks to Aveda Vice for the review copy🙌🏻
Initial review:
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED!!!!!
I don't know how she does it but Aveda Vice really just hits ~every~ ID point for me with her books— they're ridiculously sexy and so much fun🙌🏻 I really loved Harbin & Flint, honestly really excited to reread this & write a full review when it releases!
did I reread Skin at like 8am on release day just to feel something? absolutely I did😈
in less than 150 pages Aveda Vice has become one of my favorite authors! I’ve read all three of their spooky/monstrous novellas, and with each one they just draw me in deeper🙌🏻 Skin is the latest installment in the Fangs With Benefits series, and it was utterly delicious from start to finish
Flint & Harbin’s story was pure sinful, treacly goodness💜 Harbinger is a banshee, and with a single touch she can see the history of any person, place or thing. And since working as a freelance foreseer can be dangerous, she doesn’t go anywhere without her gargoyle bodyguard Jasper Flint When a mission goes south & Flint jumps to protect her, they accidentally touch, and suddenly Harbin can read the broody giant’s emotions—including his attraction to her🔥🔥🔥
I really loved this book! Aveda is serving us a queer workplace bodyguard romance, and with MONSTERS!! I mean🥵 say less! Its sexy, is ~very~ kinky (i lil bondage, some praise kink, some power play, its truly immaculate) and just so delicious from beginning to end👌🏻 I cant wait to read more about Harbin & Flint!!
thanks to Aveda Vice for the review copy🙌🏻
Initial review:
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED!!!!!
I don't know how she does it but Aveda Vice really just hits ~every~ ID point for me with her books— they're ridiculously sexy and so much fun🙌🏻 I really loved Harbin & Flint, honestly really excited to reread this & write a full review when it releases!
July 3, 2021
OH. WOW.
I'm still trying to get myself together from the puddle I melted into after reading this monsterfucking short, this time featuring a banshee and her gargoyle guardian.
And, y'all.
It's so difficult to be properly articulate about this one. So I'm resorting to bullet points.
+ Monsters who are not beautiful. Our banshee is ghoulish and wraith-like, and our gargoyle is large, menacing, and slightly demonic. 💯
+ So much yummy consent. And its use to create more frustration/tension in the dynamic.
+ Safe sex!
+ Soft dom! Yes. Please. There's more to domination play than spankings and the pain-kink most like to focus on. It's nice to have some variety.
+ So much praise kink. Seriously, not enough fiction includes this one. All of it. Please.
+ Queer.
+ Size difference.
Just. So, so good.
I am a member of the author's Patreon and was provided an ARC without expectation of review. I was more than happy to leave one.
I'm still trying to get myself together from the puddle I melted into after reading this monsterfucking short, this time featuring a banshee and her gargoyle guardian.
And, y'all.
It's so difficult to be properly articulate about this one. So I'm resorting to bullet points.
+ Monsters who are not beautiful. Our banshee is ghoulish and wraith-like, and our gargoyle is large, menacing, and slightly demonic. 💯
+ So much yummy consent. And its use to create more frustration/tension in the dynamic.
+ Safe sex!
+ Soft dom! Yes. Please. There's more to domination play than spankings and the pain-kink most like to focus on. It's nice to have some variety.
+ So much praise kink. Seriously, not enough fiction includes this one. All of it. Please.
+ Queer.
+ Size difference.
Just. So, so good.
I am a member of the author's Patreon and was provided an ARC without expectation of review. I was more than happy to leave one.
July 21, 2021
The praise kink and size difference in this wrecked me. I’m a sucker for a good soft dom, and did Flint ever deliver. Also that mirror moment 🥵
I swear Aveda Vice has access to my brain because she tends to pull out exactly the kinks I want and add them to the more inhuman type of heroes I adore, and the combination is 🔥 I am so so excited to see what she comes up with for full-length novels of these couples, because I will be ready and willing to devour them.
I swear Aveda Vice has access to my brain because she tends to pull out exactly the kinks I want and add them to the more inhuman type of heroes I adore, and the combination is 🔥 I am so so excited to see what she comes up with for full-length novels of these couples, because I will be ready and willing to devour them.
August 15, 2021
Two coworkers finally realize their unrequited love is absolutely requited when the harbinger accidentally has skin contact with her partner gargoyle.
Super hot, great set up, I was astounded by the detail in this short novellette. Will absolutely be reading more from this author.
Super hot, great set up, I was astounded by the detail in this short novellette. Will absolutely be reading more from this author.
June 7, 2021
besties,,, i read an early version and when i tell you its monster fucking EXCELLENCE. everyone is about to be REAL satisfied.
June 12, 2022
Reread because the sequel is our next month. Adored. Banshee and Gargoyle. Investigative partners. Erotica. Short and so, so good.
December 22, 2023
The praise kink is so strong omg
*runs to devour the next book*
*runs to devour the next book*
October 5, 2021
short, sweet, and perfectly sinful
August 12, 2021
4 stars! Another banger by Aveda Vice! And again I’m left wanting to know EVERYTHING about their backstories! I wanna see the sexual tension build up and then an extended epilogue :’) I’ll definitely read more in this series, I can’t wait to read some of her full-length books!
August 10, 2021
Gimme more Skin!
I found this author through a FB recommendation for Feed and immediately looked for more. I love this author’s descriptive power and outlandish characters. I’m ready for more!
Highly recommended.
I found this author through a FB recommendation for Feed and immediately looked for more. I love this author’s descriptive power and outlandish characters. I’m ready for more!
Highly recommended.
August 29, 2023
reread
Laughing because when I look back at my first read of this, it was my FIRST gargoyle romance book. My, my, my... the rabbit hole I've since been down. This is still hot though! Flint is the soft dom bodyguard of my dreams.
I am impatiently awaiting my physical copy of Inextricably Tied so I can finally read Flint and Harbinger's full story.
*****
I am INVESTED in these characters and their relationship. I loved this spicy little novella and can honestly say this is the first monster romance that I've seen with gargoyles and banshees- very cool. I will be patiently waiting for the full length book in March 2022.
Laughing because when I look back at my first read of this, it was my FIRST gargoyle romance book. My, my, my... the rabbit hole I've since been down. This is still hot though! Flint is the soft dom bodyguard of my dreams.
I am impatiently awaiting my physical copy of Inextricably Tied so I can finally read Flint and Harbinger's full story.
*****
I am INVESTED in these characters and their relationship. I loved this spicy little novella and can honestly say this is the first monster romance that I've seen with gargoyles and banshees- very cool. I will be patiently waiting for the full length book in March 2022.
July 6, 2021
4.5
This was hot. I can not wait for the full length novel about this couple.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was hot. I can not wait for the full length novel about this couple.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2021
They did the mash... they did the monster mash
A super steamy quick read. Flint is my boy and I will fight every one of you for him. I look forward to reading more from Aveda Vice.
A super steamy quick read. Flint is my boy and I will fight every one of you for him. I look forward to reading more from Aveda Vice.
December 29, 2021
this was so fucking sweet it made my chest hurt
August 13, 2021
This was a hot little treat of a fantasy romance short story about a banshee and a gargoyle! After the past year we’ve had, I related viscerally to Harbinger’s inability to touch anyone, although hers were magic reasons. Jasper knew just how to handle her and it was EVERYTHING. I could have used a bit more detail about what their jobs were as I was confused about whether they worked cases together or he was just her guard and what the cases actually were. But it doesn’t matter too much since there will be a full-length story ahead.
Character notes: Harbinger is a bi or pan banshee. She can learn an object’s history and feel a person’s emotions just by touching them. Jasper is a gargoyle (with horns!) and a guard.
Content notes: gunfire, attempted murder, vomit, masturbation, on page sex, praise kink, D/s, size difference, MMC had a vasectomy
Character notes: Harbinger is a bi or pan banshee. She can learn an object’s history and feel a person’s emotions just by touching them. Jasper is a gargoyle (with horns!) and a guard.
Content notes: gunfire, attempted murder, vomit, masturbation, on page sex, praise kink, D/s, size difference, MMC had a vasectomy
May 15, 2022
Monster romance, banshee/gargoyle, praise kink, soft dom, well written steam/smut, big emphasis on seeking consent with frequent check-ins. I quite enjoyed this little novella. I have a feeling I'll be binging all the books.
July 3, 2022
2.5 *
This was a nope for me.
Let's just start with "baby". The wording in this book felt so unnatural and uncomfortable to me that it was a serious struggle to get through the meager pages. The wording: "good f**king girl" took me out of the scene.
As far as plot, we get a vague description of who the characters are and what they do as well as harbinger's gift (yes, that's her name) with a small action scene in the very beginning, and then it quickly devolves into some motel wham-bam-thank you mam-erotica with no build-up whatsoever. I couldn't care about the characters, and therefore couldn't care about the mediocre steamy scenes that were poorly written. And... that's it... end of story for this novella.
Some people may like this... I am not one of them.
This was a nope for me.
Let's just start with "baby". The wording in this book felt so unnatural and uncomfortable to me that it was a serious struggle to get through the meager pages. The wording: "good f**king girl" took me out of the scene.
As far as plot, we get a vague description of who the characters are and what they do as well as harbinger's gift (yes, that's her name) with a small action scene in the very beginning, and then it quickly devolves into some motel wham-bam-thank you mam-erotica with no build-up whatsoever. I couldn't care about the characters, and therefore couldn't care about the mediocre steamy scenes that were poorly written. And... that's it... end of story for this novella.
Some people may like this... I am not one of them.
Read
June 13, 2022Didn’t really vibe with the writing style of this (I get what the author was trying to do with the stream-of-consciousness POV, but it didn’t work for me), but I loved the characters and the way such a short work actually did make it feel as if Flint and Harbinger had known each other for years. Definitely going to check out more of the author’s works because aside with my issues with the writing style, I really liked everything else about this.
July 1, 2021
Aveda Vice writes the most delicious complex characters! Seriously the best. Flawed and yet oh so perfect! You never doubt their dominance. They never stray out of personality. So even with how short this novelette was you still cheer the mc’s when they experience growth.
This was a beautiful story. I think it’ll resonate with anyone who feels touch starved.
This was a beautiful story. I think it’ll resonate with anyone who feels touch starved.
October 13, 2021
I didn't like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews